{"id":21591,"date":"2023-05-30T12:23:13","date_gmt":"2023-05-30T10:23:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.in-diem.com\/legalization-of-foreign-documents-in-spain\/"},"modified":"2026-08-12T14:42:03","modified_gmt":"2026-08-12T12:42:03","slug":"legalization-of-foreign-documents-in-spain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.in-diem.com\/en\/legalization-of-foreign-documents-in-spain\/","title":{"rendered":"Legalization of foreign documents in Spain"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Currently, we operate in a world where international transactions<\/strong> are commonplace, resulting in a continuous exchange of official documentation. However, a public document issued and\/or validated by the authority of one country, while fully legitimate there, may require certain formalities to be admitted in another and to retain its value as an official document. Thus, for example, when we have an employment contract, a marriage certificate, or an academic degree issued abroad, these documents need to be evaluated<\/strong> in the receiving country to verify their authenticity<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

Therefore, in this article, we want to provide you with the guiding keys<\/strong> to understanding the legalization of foreign documents in Spain and vice versa<\/strong>, although for each specific case, it is advisable to seek specialized advice.<\/p>\n\n

What does the legalization of documents involve?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

The legalization of foreign documents is an administrative procedure<\/strong> that serves to attest to the authenticity of the signatures<\/strong> on said public document, granting it validity<\/strong> in the receiving country. In other words, the document needs to be examined to verify that it has indeed been issued by a competent foreign authority so that it can exert all its legal effects in the State in question. <\/p>\n\n

Generally, all foreign public documents need to be legalized<\/strong> to be valid<\/strong> in Spain, just as all Spanish public documents must undergo the same procedure in the corresponding country to be valid abroad.<\/p>\n\n

How do I apply?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

Foreign documents can be legalized in Spain through two channels:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

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  1. Legalization by Spanish Embassies or Consulates of documents issued by foreign authorities abroad.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Legalization in Spain through the Legalization Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs<\/a>, European Union and Cooperation of documents issued by foreign Consulates and Embassies accredited in Spain.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n

    Legalization carried out by the Ministry’s Legalization Service will be free of charge<\/strong>, while legalizations via <\/strong>Embassies or Consulates will involve the payment of a fee.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

    On the other hand, for Spanish documents to be legalized in other States, the type of document and the issuing body must be taken into account to complete all corresponding procedures before their legalization by the foreign authority.<\/p>\n\n

    Agreement between Countries <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

    As the transit of documents between countries becomes increasingly frequent, some States have chosen to sign international agreements to facilitate these bureaucratic procedures for their citizens. Under these agreements, the legalization procedure is significantly simplified in certain cases. <\/p>\n\n